VIALEX INSIGHTS

If you've ever arrived at a Russian airport, you've seen them: two corridors, one red and one green. They look simple, but choosing the wrong one can lead to fines, confiscated goods, or even criminal charges.

This guide explains exactly what each corridor means, when to use which, and how to stay on the right side of the law.

Source: S7 Airlines

What Is the Green Corridor?

The Green Corridor is for travelers who have nothing to declare. When you walk through it, you are telling customs:

"I am not carrying any goods that exceed the duty-free limits. I have no prohibited items. I have no currency above the legal limit. I have nothing that needs to be declared."

Customs may still stop you for inspection. If they find something you should have declared, you face penalties.

When You Can Use the Green Corridor (Entering Russia)

You may use the Green Corridor if all of the following apply:

1. Your goods are within duty-free limits

• • For air travelers: Total value under €10,000 and total weight under 50 kg
• • For other travelers (train, sea, road): Total value under €1,000 and total weight under 31 kg

2. Your alcohol and tobacco are within limits

• • Alcohol: No more than 3 liters per person over 18
• • Tobacco: No more than 200 cigarettes, 50 cigars, or 250g of tobacco (or a mix within these limits)

3. Your currency is within limits

• • Cash and traveler's cheques: No more than $10,000 USD equivalent

4. You have no prohibited or restricted items

5. You have no unaccompanied luggage (all your luggage arrived with you on the same flight)

6. You are not importing a vehicle

7. You are not carrying goods that require documents (even if they might be duty-free, such as inherited goods or items for resettlement)

Source: S7 Airlines

When You Must Use the Red Corridor (Entering Russia)

You must take the Red Corridor and fill out a customs declaration if any of the following apply:

1. Your goods exceed duty-free limits

• • Value over €10,000 (air) or €1,000 (other transport)
• • Weight over 50 kg (air) or 31 kg (other transport)

2. Your alcohol exceeds 3 liters

3. You are carrying ethanol

4. You have indivisible goods (items weighing over 35 kg that cannot be split)

5. Your currency exceeds $10,000 USD equivalent — the entire amount must be declared, not just the excess

6. You have prohibited or restricted goods (even if within limits)

7. You have unaccompanied luggage — including luggage that hasn't arrived yet, or goods sent by freight or express delivery

8. You want to declare goods (even if they are duty-free)

9. You need to claim an exemption that requires documents — examples: goods for resettlement, inheritance, re-import of previously exported goods

10. You are importing a vehicle

When Leaving Russia

The same logic applies when you depart.

Use the Green Corridor if:

• • Your goods are within export limits
• • You have no prohibited or restricted items
• • Your currency is under $10,000 USD equivalent
• • You have nothing to declare

Use the Red Corridor if:

• • You are exporting prohibited or restricted goods
• • Your currency exceeds $10,000 USD equivalent (the entire amount must be declared)
• • You want to declare exported goods
• • You are exporting a vehicle

Customs corridors at an international airport

What Must Be Declared (Even if Within Limits)

Some goods must always be declared, even if they fall within duty-free limits:

• • Goods sent by international mail
• • Unaccompanied luggage
• • Goods subject to prohibitions or restrictions
• • Cultural valuables
• • Cash instruments other than traveler's cheques
• • Goods for personal use with a total value of 1 million rubles or more, including:
  • Items made of precious metals and stones
  • Natural pearls
  • Watches with cases made of precious metals
  • Watch straps, bands, and bracelets made of precious metals

Failure to declare goods valued at 1 million rubles or more can lead to criminal liability under Article 226.1 of the Russian Criminal Code.

What Counts as "Goods for Personal Use"

Goods are considered for personal use if they are intended for personal, family, home, or other needs not related to business activities.

Customs determines this based on:

• • Your statement (oral or written declaration)
• • The nature and quantity of the goods
• • How often you cross the border or receive shipments

Important Warning

Moving goods through the Green Corridor that should have been declared is a customs offense. It can result in:

• • Administrative penalties
• • Confiscation of goods
• • In serious cases: criminal liability

Vialex Universal's Advice

If you are ever unsure which corridor to choose, take the Red Corridor. Declaring goods when you don't need to causes a small delay. Walking through Green when you should have used Red can cause serious problems.

When in doubt, declare. It's always better to be safe than sorry.

This guide is based on public official information from the Federal Customs Service of Russia. Rules may change. Always check current regulations before traveling.